We also happen to be in the middle of applying for a HELOC with the same mortgage lender.

Search for other Hard Money lenders.

Is there an interest only loan that any commercial lenders have which would make the monthly payment lower for 6 months or so?

I have good credit (690), 24 months of reserves, and something like 40% DTI... and the lenders I am working with are not sure why the AUS is denying my application with these specs. 

The property is already listed and on the market but might not make it to the closing table I know it’s not common but do some hard money lenders sometimes buy out the other hard money lenders to give the person more time to sell? 

You'll be able to learn from seasoned investors / agents / lenders and learn from their mistakes. 

Hello everyone, when finding a deal you want to use financing for (either private or conventional), should you have a deal in place first, or should you have the financing in order first?

As mentioned try to stick with the same lender.  

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

It also helps you with due on sale clause since the lender will see it was put into a trust for estate planning purposes.